SM Foundation,
Inc. (SMFI) has taken another step in its mission to
enhance the agriculture
and entrepreneurial skills
of farmers. The organization recently launched the
Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan
on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP)
across various locations in
Calabarzon.
Beginning with
its launch in Padre Garcia, Batangas on April 13,
2023, the program has
since been extended to
Silang, Cavite, Batangas
City, San Pablo, Laguna,
and Calamba City. SMFI
is also set to provide free
agri-skills training to local
farmers in other parts of
the region to help other
beneficiaries uplift their
families and communities.
Empowering local farmers
The local farmer-beneficiaries will undergo a two-phased program,
spearheaded by its partner school Moca Family
Farm RLearning Center,
Inc.
The said program kicked off with an
immersive 14-week training program, designed
to equip participants with
essential skills and knowledge in agriculture. The
modular training curriculum covers topics on the
latest agri-technology updates, capacity building,
financial literacy, product
development, and market
opportunities. Through
these comprehensive
modules, KSK-SAP aims
to empower and enhance
farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues
for sustainable growth.
KSK farmers in Batangas
begin their training.
As a highlight of
the program’s first phase,
KSK-SAP farmers will join
the SM Sunday Market,
a collaborative initiative
between SM Foundation
and SM Supermalls. This
platform offers trainees
a valuable opportunity to
showcase their agricultural produce and gain firsthand experience in institutional selling. Through this
market opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their expertise and
experience in the sales
and marketing aspects of
their agri-businesses.
To prepare for
the second phase of the
program, SMFI will also
assist the farmers in formalizing their respective
groups. To boost their
earning capactiy and
contribution to economic
growth, the foundation will
support them in creating
a sustainable and profitable farming community
through the assistance of
its partner agencies.
KSK-SAP originated from the vision of
SMFI’s founder Henry
“Tatang” Sy Sr. to establish
a sustainable initiative that
would uplift the farming
skills, food security, and
livelihood know-how of
low-income Filipino farmers. Over the years, the
program has evolved into
a comprehensive training
program that generates
opportunities for skills development, employment,
and livelihood.
KSK farmers join the training in Cavite
Since its inception in 2007, KSK-SAP
has helped more than
28,000 marginalized farmers from rural and urban
areas across the country,
fueling their entrepreneurial and farming capabilities. As a result, some of
the program’s graduates
have turned into seasonal
suppliers for the SM group
and other local markets.
SM Foundation’s
KSK-SAP is conducted
in partnership with SM
Supermalls, TESDA, DA,
DSWD, DOST, DTI, DOT
and partner farm schools.
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